ANALYSIS: Why One Person, One Vote Could Save Somalia from Corruption and Chaos
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The global struggle for influence is not confined to capital cities; it is also unfolding in strategic port cities along the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. In this context, Bosaso—located in Somalia’s Puntland region—has emerged as a flashpoint in a growing geopolitical crisis. Recent developments documented through open-source intelligence, satellite imagery, and flight records reveal an alarming picture—not just for Somalia, but for the entire Red Sea basin and international trade routes.
Flight records indicate that large cargo planes departing from Bosaso have allegedly been delivering arms and ammunition to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in Sudan’s civil war. These operations, reportedly conducted under covert agreements without the knowledge of the Somali Federal Government, are said to include Israeli-made radar systems and other shipments coordinated by the Puntland administration independently. Such actions raise critical questions about Somalia’s territorial integrity. The Ankara Declaration, brokered by Turkey, reaffirmed that Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity must be protected in accordance with international law. If the radar installation in Bosaso occurred without federal consent, it could be deemed a violation of international law.
Satellite Imagery and Radar Deployment
High-resolution satellite imagery from March 2025 clearly shows the deployment of an Israeli-made ELM-2084 radar system near Bosaso Airport. A close-up of the radar platform reveals its proximity to the airport runway. Though no official statement has been made, reports suggest the radar was procured through the UAE and installed under a bilateral agreement with Puntland authorities. However, according to Somalia’s Constitution, authority over foreign policy and security affairs rests with the central government. The radar’s installation without Mogadishu’s knowledge constitutes a direct breach of national sovereignty.
During this period, there was also a marked increase in military cargo flights from Bosaso. Flight tracking data reveals that over the past two years, 48 military flights originating from the UAE landed in Bosaso, with 44 subsequently continuing to destinations in Sudan and Chad. These flights reportedly supported the RSF—a force widely accused of atrocities against civilians in Darfur. Multiple sources claim these shipments included weapons, ammunition, and even Colombian mercenaries.
Arms Transfers from Bosaso to RSF
Flight logs indicate frequent departures of large cargo aircraft from Bosaso Airport, often heading to Sudan. On some days, up to five heavy cargo planes reportedly transported weapons and ammunition from Bosaso. Regional sources and aviation data suggest these operations are part of a UAE campaign to bolster the RSF’s war efforts, driven by financial interests and port investments in Sudan. If the claims hold, Bosaso has effectively become a logistics hub for a UAE-Israel military corridor.
This situation presents serious legal implications under international law. The UN Charter and principles of state sovereignty require host country consent for foreign military or strategic operations. Similar incidents in Somalia where federal approval was bypassed have previously provoked strong backlash. Therefore, the radar installation and arms transfers conducted without federal oversight could be considered legally illegitimate and a violation of Somali sovereignty.
International Law and Somali Sovereignty
The Ankara Declaration, signed in December 2024 between Ethiopia and Somalia, reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity under the UN Charter and the African Union Charter. The current situation in Bosaso risks undermining Mogadishu’s central authority. Based on satellite and flight data, the radar deployment and arms transfers appear to have occurred without federal consent, creating legitimacy concerns under international law. These activities not only challenge Somalia’s sovereignty but are being scrutinized internationally. The military and intelligence infrastructure established in Puntland is reportedly being used to support proxy warfare via the RSF in Sudan, effectively turning Somalia into a logistical base for external conflicts.
Turkey’s Principled Policy and Regional Balance Efforts
Turkey has consistently declared its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and unity in its defense and security agreements. From the TURKSOM military base to port modernization projects, Turkey’s presence in Somalia is transparent and coordinated with the federal government. Ankara’s approach aims to reinforce Mogadishu’s authority, preserve national integrity, and maintain regional balance. Turkey’s assistance spans humanitarian aid, infrastructure, and military support, reflecting a comprehensive strategy centered on development, sovereignty, and stability.
In this context, Somalia’s future should be shaped not by the short-term interests of foreign actors, but by the will of its people. The activities of Israel and the UAE in Bosaso risk destabilizing the entire geopolitical corridor from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. The use of mercenaries, covert radar systems, and the circumvention of federal authority not only breach international law but also offend the conscience of regional populations.
Turkey’s principled and transparent approach is not just a demonstration of friendly cooperation—it is also vital for maintaining the international rules-based order. What is happening in Bosaso today may foreshadow deeper fractures threatening other geopolitically significant cities across Africa. Somalia’s future must be guided by the rule of law and the democratic will of its people, not proxy wars. Turkey’s stance should be seen not merely as support from a partner, but as a key to building a lawful and stable security architecture across the continent.
This article was written by Dr. Tunç Demirtaş, Director of the Africa Program at the Turkey-based think tank SETA, and was published in Turkish in the Sabah newspaper.
